Terminal A

Opened in 2021, Terminal A at LaGuardia Airport isn’t just a place to catch a flight. It’s a portal through time, a whisper of the golden age of aviation. Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, originally opened in 1940. It was designed by William Delano, the same architect behind the elegant Boeing 314 Clippers. These flying boats, nicknamed “Clippers,” graced the waters of nearby Bowery Bay. Imagine the spectacle: these majestic aircraft landing on the water, passengers disembarking via a covered walkway into the terminal’s circular rotunda. Terminal A at LaGuardia wasn’t just an airport terminal; it was a symbol of luxury and adventure. In the 1940s, LaGuardia, with Terminal A at its heart, was the primary gateway to Europe for American travelers. It was the only major U.S. airport with regular transatlantic flights. The terminal buzzed with activity, a hub for international travel and a stage for historic moments. Even Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill passed through its doors. Terminal A’s rotunda, with its marble floors and walls, was more than just a waiting area. It housed James Brooks’s magnificent “Flight” mural. This masterpiece, the largest mural commissioned by the Works Progress Administration, depicted the history of aviation, from Icarus’s mythical flight to the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking achievement. Tragically, this work of art was painted over in 1952, a victim of the changing times, only to be rediscovered and restored decades later. As technology advanced, flying boats became obsolete. Terminal A at LaGuardia adapted, transitioning to serve conventional aircraft in 1946. It went through several transformations, serving as an international terminal, a general aviation hub, and the home of the Pan Am and later Delta Shuttle. The iconic flying fish frieze, a distinctive feature of Delano’s design, watched over these changes. During the LaGuardia Airport redevelopment in 2015, Terminal A’s historical significance was recognized, and it was preserved amidst the modernization efforts. Today, Terminal A stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of aviation. It’s a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the bustle of modern travel. As you walk through its halls, remember the roar of the Clippers, the elegance of the Art Deco design, and the stories etched within its walls. Terminal A at LaGuardia Airport is more than just a terminal; it’s a living museum, a tribute to the pioneering spirit of flight.